ἔντευξις (enteuxis)
enteuxis
intercession
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun enteuxis refers to an approach or interview with someone in authority, often carrying the specific sense of making a formal petition or supplication. Its root meaning involves coming into the presence of another, which explains why it was used as a technical term for approaching a king or official. In the New Testament, this idea of direct access is applied to prayer, describing the act of presenting requests before God.
While it can simply mean conversation or meeting, its theological weight in Scripture leans heavily toward intercession. This is most visible in 1 Timothy 2:1, where Paul urges believers to make enteuxis for all people, and again in 1 Timothy 4:5 regarding prayers of thanksgiving. The word suggests a confident, personal appeal rather than a distant ritual, emphasizing the believer’s right to approach God directly with their needs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word enteuxis carries the weight of a formal audience with a king or official. In our daily walk, this reminds us that prayer is not a distant ritual but a direct approach to God’s throne. We are invited to present our requests with confidence, knowing we have access to the One who holds all authority.
Paul highlights this in 1 Timothy 2:1 by urging believers to make enteuxis for everyone. This includes those in power and those difficult to love. It transforms prayer from a private wish into a bold, intercessory act of faith. We stand with others before God, lifting their needs with the assurance that our access is secure.
When we pray, we are not shouting into the void. We are engaging in a personal appeal to our Father. This word encourages us to bring specific, tangible needs into His presence. It is a privilege to speak openly with God, trusting that He hears and cares for those we lift up.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- prayer.1×
- intercessions,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐντεύξεως.¶1×
- ἐντεύξεις,1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 2:1
I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men,
This verse uses enteuxis to define the scope of Christian prayer, extending it beyond personal needs to include all people, even those in authority.
-
I Timothy 4:5
For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.
Here the word links intercession with thanksgiving, showing that our petitions are sanctified when offered through God's word and gratitude.